Biochar: from biomass residues to Carbon removal: Expanding value chains for a circular, net-zero economy

A practical journey from real-world value-chain experience to the landscape conditions needed for expanding Biochar Carbon Removal.

1. From residues to resources - opening (4’) – Lucia Brusegan, IBI (host and moderator)

Biomass residues are often treated as a disposal challenge or an underused resource. Yet, when appropriately managed, they can become the starting point for biochar production, durable carbon removal, soil and material applications, and new local value chains.

This opening will frame biochar at the intersection of carbon removal, circular economy, agriculture, rural development and industrial transformation, and introduce the central question of the session: how can we move from individual opportunities to scalable value chains?

1. Real-world pathways: biomass, biochar and value creation (6’ each)

Three short real-world examples illustrating how different regions and biomass value chains are turning residual biomass into value and biochar carbon removal (BCR):

• From agricultural residues to biochar: the Mediterranean viticulture opportunity – Silvia Baronti, researcher CNR, Italy
• From agro-industrial residues to carbon removal: a value-chain perspective from Asia – Kwangyul Peck, expert
• From agricultural residues to additional value for farmers: a Kenyan experience – Giulia Marzetti, Forestsync

Each contribution will briefly explore the biomass resource, the existing value chain, the role of biochar, the potential for durable carbon removal, and the opportunities and barriers to scaling.

1. From stories to scale & the policy challenge (30’)

A conversation bringing together the perspectives needed to move from individual value chains to industrial integration and unlock scaling potential. What needs to change in national climate strategies, markets, finance, and regulation to enable integrating biochars into industrial value chains?

Round Table: Glenn Morley, David Chiaramonti, Cara Maesano

1. One concrete commitment/action (6’)

Closing with each participant identifying one concrete action or commitment that could help move the sector forward.